In Sri Lanka we tend to mash the bridal shower and the bachelorette party all together most of the time, so how can you make sure that your bridal shower goes as smoothly as possible?
Written by Panchali Illankoon

The first time I saw a bridal shower, I was having dinner at a restaurant in Colombo and the bridal party had booked a private room for their gathering. The place was all decorated in pink and there were lots of embarrassing pictures of the bride-to-be with a sash and crown placed promptly at the head of the table. 

I was all excited, of course. The place looked fun and I’ve never really seen a bridal shower in full swing. So when the first person walked into the room, I abandoned my food and blatantly waited for the bridal shower to begin.

Except of course the first person who walked in was the bride-to-be. 

Who sat inside an empty private room for a good 45 minutes wearing her sash and crown waiting for the bridal party who eventually made their way in scattered groups.  

Now I know, in Sri Lanka we tend to mash the bridal shower and the bachelorette party all together most of the time, so how can you make sure that your bridal shower goes as smoothly as possible? 

Let someone be the Alpha in all the planning

It’s important that everyone gets together and plans the whole party but someone needs to be in charge. Someone needs to pick a date, a time, a place and someone needs to be there to put her foot down when there is too many options to choose from. 

Have a guest list 

Make sure you invite people who matter to the bride-to-be. Be thorough! You don’t want to leave anyone important out.
 

Have a budget

As nice as it is to go all out for the bride, a budget is important so you don’t spend a ridiculous amount on the fancy décor you saw that costs nearly an arm and a leg! Delegate most of the tasks to the other guests, like coming up with the décor, finding a place etc. 

Gifts for the bride

It’s proper etiquette to give the bride a gift. Something a little private or sentimental for the bride to remember.  But the big question to be decided on from the start is whether to get individual gifts or a group gift. If it’s a group gift, always decide what to buy first and then collect money. People will then always give accordingly instead of randomly tossing money in without knowing how much is needed.
 

Make it FUN

Your bride-to-be just wants a good, fun outing with her best friends so make sure that happens! Sure, sit down, have a lovely high tea or lunch or a dinner but don’t forget to include something fun and exciting! Go on a night out or just go to some favourite places. Make sure to make the bride feel special and loved at all times!
 

Finally, let someone be in charge of the bride

This means that someone should be the one to make sure the bride doesn’t come too early or ditch the bridal shower. No matter how well you plan, lots of things can go wrong but don’t let the most important part of the party be the one to ruin all your careful plans!